Erasing the stigma and stereotypes that surround mental health is no easy task, but it’s necessary as more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are estimated to suffer from some form of mental illness. Facilities like Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) can help guide individuals on their path to better mental health, but unfortunately, only about 40% of people seek mental health support.
Part of the issue with individuals not receiving treatment is that they may not know about their options or how to access them. Organizations like HICS are a great place for those struggling with a mental illness to connect with professionals and peers. There are also community resources for mental health support.
What are community-based activities for mental health?
While mental health facilities are a great place to seek help and treatment, many individuals first need to understand that it’s OK to request help. This realization may come from an event or members in their community. Community-based activities can have a positive impact on those around you, and some can even be daily activities to improve mental health.
Fundraise to support mental health organizations
Many local mental health organizations need donations to operate and provide a place for individuals to heal and find support. With an estimated 350 individuals for every one mental health provider, it’s crucial for these groups to receive donations in order to offer top-quality care. Contact your local provider to see what items they need most, like bedding, toiletries, clothing or other personal items, then help get a fundraiser started.
Roundtable discussions
Discussions of mental health can play an important role in showing others you’re an advocate for them. These talks can start in high schools as students begin a dialogue around the topic. Let them know mental health is just as important as physical health. Questions like, “How is mental health currently perceived in the United States?” or “How can mental health awareness impact your school?” are effective ways to get the conversation started.
Contact your local elected officials
Your mayor, governor or senators are valuable resources in getting laws created or changed to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness in a variety of settings, including the workplace, schools and in treatment. Officials can help provide reasonable accommodations and support to those who need them. Visit the “State of Mental Health in America” report to see where your state ranks and share this information with your elected officials.
Host a walk to raise awareness
Exercise is important for your physical health, but did you also know exercise can have a profound impact on depression and anxiety as well as relieve stress? That’s why hosting a walk in your community to raise awareness can benefit everyone involved. This gathering shows others that everyone is there to support and be an advocate for those dealing with mental illness while also highlighting the importance of being active. The walk can be combined with other events during Mental Health Awareness Month in May or another date that best fits your schedule. This is one of the many community resources for mental health support that can improve your quality of life.
What are community-based interventions for mental health?
Advocating, holding workshops, supporting others, promoting physical activity and educating are ways community-based interventions can be used. Additionally, people can assist those who are having trouble by helping them find housing or secure insurance, health care or academic support.
What is the community-based approach to mental health?
For those with mental health issues, it’s important to have access to services and providers close to where they live to get treatment. These community resources for mental health support allow the individual to be in a familiar area and maintain family relationships, friendships and jobs while receiving care in a timely manner. Keeping a community-based approach to mental health can help individuals have higher satisfaction with their care, better protect human rights and prevent stigma since the treatment is patient-focused and less institution-based. Some additional benefits of the community-based approach to mental health that HICS provides are:
- Mobile crisis services.
- Crisis stabilization.
- Jail diversion.
- Children’s services.
- Disability support.
- Transitional living.
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Co-Responder Program.
How to promote mental health in the community?
Promoting mental health in the community may seem like a daunting task, but all you have to do is start the conversation. Let your friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers and others know you’re an advocate who is willing to talk about mental health and help them find support. When community-based mental health programs are promoted, we are taking the first step to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Try these ways to promote mental health in the community:
- Share your story on social media.
- Encourage healthy lifestyles with exercise and well-rounded diets.
- Use social media to share posts from mental health organizations.
- Organize workshops, seminars and informational sessions to educate community members.
- Collaborate with mental health professionals to share resources.
- Create safe spaces.
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. every May. Organizations like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lead the movement in providing support for the cause, educating the public and fighting the stigma. Not only does Mental Health Awareness Month raise understanding of mental health, but it also advocates for policies to support the millions of people affected by mental illness.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, supporters can share infographics, statistics and firsthand experience of the impact of mental health on community through their social media channels to inform others on the key issues surrounding mental illness. Information can be found on the SAMHSA and NAMI websites to share.
HICS is here to offer mental health support to all individuals in their journey to better mental health while highlighting the benefits of community-based mental health services. If you’re looking to increase mental health awareness in your community, reach out to us to get started at HICSIowa.org.